ENG vs AUS 2018: We Failed to Capitalize in Last 10 Overs - Tim Paine

England was utterly dominant for the 4^th consecutive time in the series, as they defeated Australia by six wickets to garner hopes of a thrilling whitewash.

It was a scintillating batting performance by England for yet another time, as they chased the total of 311 down with utmost ease in the end. After batting first, Australia posted 310 in their allotted 50 overs courtesy centuries from Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh.

It was skipper Tim Paine who won the toss and opted to bat. Finch and Travis Head shared a 101-run partnership for the opening wicket. It came in the 20^th over, as the Aussie openers didn’t press on the accelerator during the powerplay overs. From there on, it was again sensible batting from Australia. Shaun Marsh and Finch shared a 124-run partnership in 20 overs, as Australia reached 225 in the 39^th over.

Finch scored a century off 106 balls which didn’t prove to be a significant knock in the end. Given England’s batting line-up, the score was never going to be enough.

For the hosts, David Willey was the pick of the bowlers bagging four wickets. England openers, Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow got off to a stupendous start and shared a 174-run stand between them within 24 overs.

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It was a brilliant piece of batsmanship by the duo who has been quite sublime in the series so far. Roy struck his 2^nd ton of the series.

However, he got dismissed soon after. Bairstow also smashed a fluent 78 off 66 deliveries. The target was more of a formality from there on, as a sensational start helped England be in complete command of the match.

Jos Buttler also smashed an excellent half-century, as England chased the total down with relative ease. He scored 54 off 29 deliveries which included nine fours and a solitary six. It was yet another overwhelming performance from the hosts, and there is no doubt about the fact that they are one of the hot favourites of the World Cup slated next year.

Here is what Aussie skipper, Tim Paine said at the post-match presentation following the defeat,

“I thought we were 30-40 short. We got ourselves in a good position but failed to capitalize in the last ten overs. We dropped the catch and lost the momentum. Jason and Jonny are really in good touch. I am trying to enjoy, but you gotta catch those. We came here as an inexperienced side, but that can’t be an excuse. This is a good chance for the young players and a good experience for them.”

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